Boscawen to vote on 4.3 percent increase to operating budget

After several years of little or no increase to the operating budget, voters in Boscawen are being asked to approve a 4.3 percent increase. On the warrant this year is a $3,219,575 operating budget, a $132,641 increase. If $470,520 in special warrant articles are approved, total spending would be up 7.3 percent, since $160,000 for the removal of the Canterbury-Boscawen bridge would be reimbursed.

∎ In addition to the bridge vote, Boscawen voters will be asked to approve $25,000 for technical studies of and renovations to the 1913 town library. The $25,000 will only be spent if a matching grant is available, according to the town warrant. “In truth this budget represents a significant increase, but it follows a number of past budgets that had little or no increases,” Budget Committee Chairman Bill Murphy wrote in his budget report. The warrant also includes $192,000 in capital reserve funds for five projects, including $60,000 for a fire truck, $40,000 each for heavy equipment for the highway department and a municipal building fund, and $32,000 for a police vehicle.

∎ Contested elections: None.

∎ Voting: Tuesday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., at Boscawen Town Hall, 12 High St.

The chain-link fence at its entrance, the overgrown bushes and the faded no trespassing signs posted on the Boscawen-Canterbury Bridge make it pretty clear: The historic structure hasn’t received much attention lately. Built over the Merrimack River in 1907, the bridge connecting the two towns was closed to traffic in 1965. On Tuesday, voters in Canterbury and Boscawen will decide …

I believe that there are several contested elections including three candidates for selectman. Everyone should vote both at the daytime polling place at the Town Hall (beneath the church) and at Town Meeting at the Boscawen Elementary School.